Aussies complete formalities

England8217;s only hope was in batting through the day, and to some help from the weather. The weather Gods could have helped England back home, not Down Under. There was sun and more sun. Then Lee picked up the new ball, and three deliveries were all it took for Pietersen8217;s heroics to end. Wicketkeeper Geraint Jones, selected ahead of Chris Read primarily for his batting, went 30 minutes later when he chopped a McGrath ball on to his stumps for 33 after hitting five fours in his 68-minute stay.

Ashley Giles, also chosen ahead of Monty Panesar for his batting ability, was out at first-hour drinks when he edged Clark to Warne at first slip for 23, leaving the tourists at 346 for eight. Matthew Hoggard followed when he edged Clark to Warne at slip for eight and Harmison was the last man out, hooking to McGrath off Clark.

England had needed to defy history to get anywhere near Australia8217;s huge lead with their highest successful fourth innings run chase in an Ashes Test 332 for 7 at Melbourne in 1928.

England will now be looking to regroup for Friday8217;s second Adelaide Test.